Sierra Leone Takes London: SLACfest 2025 is Here!

This coming weekend, Sierra Leoneans in London have a golden opportunity to connect, celebrate, and envision together. The Sierra Leonean Arts & Culture Festival (SLACfest) returns to London from October 31st to November 2nd, 2025, under the inspiring theme, “Roots & Renaissance.”

For three days, Theatre Peckham will come alive with the sights, sounds, and spirit of Sierra Leone through art, music, film, food, storytelling, and conversation. It’s the ultimate celebration of Sierra Leonean creativity and community, bringing together the best of Salone’s cultural identity in the heart of South London. 

Day 1 Schedule/ Image from Young Salone Instagram Page

Day 2 Schedule/ Image from Young Salone Instagram Page

Day 2 Schedule/ Image from Young Salone Instagram Page

Day 3 Schedule/ Image from Young Salone Instagram Page

A Celebration of Sierra Leonean Creativity and Excellence

SLACfest is a reminder that while our roots run deep in home soil, our branches continue to grow across the world. The weekend will feature a powerful lineup of voices, artists, and changemakers who are shaping what Sierra Leone means today, from the diaspora to the continent and beyond. 

Among them is pioneering media and communications expert, Vickie Remoe. The festival will also see the likes of Makeda L. Cole, Fea Fasuluku, DJ Hopie, and many trailblazing Sierra Leoneans. 

For three days at Theatre Peckham in London, SLACfest will host a packed schedule of music, poetry, panel discussions, comedy, food, and so much more. 

On day 1, the festival will open with an evening of networking, and good vibes. Hosted by Makeda L. Cole and Fea Fasuluku, with DJ Hopie on the music, the night will be exciting. There will be poetry from Mabs Taylor, comedy from Ibs Sesay, and music from Nadeem Din Gabisi. Vickie Remoe will give the opening keynote on day one. 

Contributors for Day 1

Day 2 will see activities focused on heritage, identity, generational connection, and the diaspora’s place in Sierra Leone’s story. Panels will explore challenges, lessons, and hopes of the diasporic community in Britain. 

At midday, there will be some #SLACfest favourites include, A Brief History of Sierra Leone and A Sabi Pas Yu, interactive quiz that will test participants knowledge on Sierra Leone. In studio 2, there will be a parallel Kip Kompin Cinema Programme, and group Young Krios will lead a Krio Klas workshop. 

The first part of Day 2 will be hosted by Gemina Weekes, and supported by Makeda L. Cole with DJ Hopie. 

Contributors for Day 2

After part 1, there will be a 1-hour lunch break where delicious Sierra Leonean cuisines will be present and participants can explore the Small Markit, full of vendors selling Sierra Leonean and African diaspora inspired wares. There will also be an exhibition, featuring photography by talented Sierra Leonean artists from London, Freetown, and beyond, and a Gynae-themed obstacle course curated by Dr. Aziza Sesay. 

The rest of day 2 will be filled with high-quality entertainment including comedy from Aunty Hawa, music from Adama, and a keynote speech from Maria Bradford. There will be films produced, directed, and/or starring Sierra Leoneans. 

There will be a “Renaissance” panel featuring Changemakers and Tastemakers, facilitated by Christie Fewry, in conversation with KABBA, Seun Babalola and Patrice Naiambana. The hosts for part 2 will be Gemina Weekes, Fatima, with DJ Hopie.

Contributors for Day 2

On the last day, the emphasis will shift to creative futures and discussions on what is next for Sierra Leonean talent, business, culture, and global connections. There will be two panels, a keynote, and a headline comedian. 

The first panel of the day, “Sierra Leone’s Creative Landscape,” will explore the services and infrastructure that needs to be in place for the Sierra Leonean creative, both at home and in the diaspora to thrive. The panel will be facilitated by Marie Osman, in conversation with Drizilik, Vanessa Fisher, Alima F. Sesay and Antonia Howard. 

The second panel “Africa Beyond Borders,” will explore how African creatives can connect the dots between Africa and the African diaspora, using their African heritage as inspiration. This panel will be facilitated by It’s a Continent podcast co-host, Chiny Ukata, with panelists Simmone Ahiaku from Homesayings podcast, Wizik, and Hamid Ibrahim. 

In between the panels, there will be poetry from Saraiya Bah and a keynote speech from Seun Babalola. The day will be concluded with a standup comedy by comedian Kindo Armani. The hosts for Sunday will be Christie Fewry and Samira, with Selenks. 

Contributors for Day 3

Why Every Sierra Leonean in London Should Be There!

For Sierra Leoneans in the UK, this is your space to connect with fellow Sierra Leoneans, share your experiences living between continents, and be reminded that your heritage is vibrant and relevant! Seeing our talent, voice, and creative energy represented in London is a signal that our story resonates globally. 

Whether you’re in media, design, entertainment, or community work, this festival offers story-rich content, networking potential and cultural insights. In a time when diaspora and homeland narratives often feel disconnected, SLACfest invites everyone to stay rooted and celebrate traditions, embrace change, and build new pathways. 

Mark your calendars, get your tickets, show up, and let’s make the most of this gathering. Visit www.threatrepeckham.co.uk to get more information on tickets. 

Fambul dem, una kam join wi!

Poster on SLACfest contributors/ image from Young Salone Instagram account